Gordhan arrest ‘distressing’

South Africa`s Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan says recent reports about his arrest – imminent or not – have been extremely distressing for him and his family and that his lawyers will approach the Hawks and the National Prosecuting authority for further information and clarity.He also once again dismissed claims of his involvement in “espionage” when he headed the country’s tax agency.The Sunday Times reported that the Hawks wanted Gordhan to be prosecuted for "espionage" in a case related to the activities of the South African Revenue Service "rogue unit" established while he was the tax agency`s commissioner. It said that according to senior Hawks sources‚ the unit had handed over a case docket to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision to prosecute Gordhan and eight other former SARS officials said to have been involved in or have had knowledge of the unit`s activities.The unit has been accused of illegally gathering intelligence and spying on taxpayers.“Insiders at the Hawks and the NPA told the Sunday Times that they were waiting for the "political go-ahead" before acting.However‚ reports on May 15 quoted both the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks denying that they were investigating Gordhan.